São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival option for Lao citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. Apply at the official eVisa portal at least a few days before your trip. The application asks for passport details, flight info, and a digital photo — processing usually takes 2–3 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Lao passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines check this at check-in, so confirm your passport won't expire before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for proof | Have a printed or digital copy of your onward or return ticket ready. Immigration officers at São Tomé International Airport occasionally ask to see it, especially if you arrive without a confirmed departure. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. While not always requested, having it ready speeds up the immigration process if they ask. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Keep a bank statement or cash handy — around $100–$200 per day of stay is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely checks this, but it's better to have it than to be caught without. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Laos passport holders must get an eVisa before flying. There is no visa on arrival at the airport. Apply online at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land, not your departure date. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official eVisa portal (evisa.smf.st). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive the approval by email.
2
Pack your documents
Print the eVisa approval email or save it on your phone. Also have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Keep a screenshot of your onward ticket easily accessible.
3
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may also ask for your return ticket and accommodation. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue. After clearing, collect your luggage and exit.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must leave after 30 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity; each stay max 30 days.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds authorized period. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €200 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe
No transit visa needed
Transit visa is not required for Laos holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
São Tomé
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros
Avenida 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for LA travellers
Country basics
CapitalSão Tomé
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 21.04 STN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no rush service.
No. Laos passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
The official fee is not listed on the portal, but expect around $50–$100 USD. Check the eVisa website for the exact amount when you apply.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Laos. Check with your doctor.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply. Overstaying can result in fines.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry.
It's not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in São Tomé and Príncipe can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.